Posted by Jon on May 8, 2010 in
Social Not-Working An increasingly popular thing to do on Facebook is joining groups that are phrases you agree with. Whatever your cause, there is a matching group on Facebook. Many want to end the war in the Middle East, and others want to boycott Arizona because of their new immigration reform. Then there is a smaller cause: a group that was started by an angry server in a restaurant. "If you can't afford to tip 20%, don't go out to eat!"
Now don't get me wrong. In a lot of states, waitstaff makes under minimum wage and needs to make tips to survive. It's frustrating when a large group comes in and stiffs you on the tip. However, complaining about it probably won't change their ways. The best you can do is to do your job well, and hope for the best. If the problem is that you hate your job, maybe it's time to find a new one. If the problem is customers who are tightwads – well there is little you can do to get rid of them. They are always going to be out there. What good does it do to tell them to stop going out to eat, if they're going to leave a crappy tip? Fewer customers = layoffs at your restaurant. Yes, even the tightwads contribute to your employment being possible!
This group's aim is to teach people to tip better. However, the literal interpretation is valid – if you can't afford to tip 20% perhaps you should dine at home instead? I think I will – it's a hell of a lot cheaper! Hopefully everyone doesn't follow this advice, though. If they do, a lot of waitstaff will be without jobs, and I have a feeling that isn't what they expected!
Tags: cooking, facebook, jobs, tipping, whining
Posted by Jon on Dec 18, 2009 in
Social Not-Working Facebook is an amazing networking tool. It allows us to stay in touch with people we wouldn't have a chance to otherwise. However, there are many things that are probably a bad idea to post on your Facebook page. Here's three of my favorites:
Anything Having To Do With Political Issues: Sure, you can have an intelligent debate about politics with some people. But the majority of people who are diametrically opposed to your political beliefs are probably going to end up hiding you from their news feed, or removing you from their friends. If nothing else, it's just plain awkward.
"It's Complicated" Relationship Status: I'm sorry to hear things are going rough, but let's keep the drama off of Facebook. The level of complication in your romantic relationship does not need to be everyone's business!
Stuff Your Friends Really Don't Need To Know: A status update every 5 minutes to let everyone know you just finished brushing your teeth, or doing other bodily functions is a bit much. Keep the signal to noise ratio where it should be and only post things that people might actually care about! It will be good for your credibility.
Tags: facebook, politics, relationships, TMI
Posted by Jon on Mar 25, 2009 in
Social Not-Working There's always a ton of whining about the Facebook layout whenever it changes. But perhaps what's even more irritating is the notion that Facebook is going to charge people to use its website. Groups have sprouted up demanding that Facebook not charge its users, lest it lose many of its members. Let's take a look at this idea for a minute, using logic:
Facebook became one of the biggest sites on the web because it is FREE to use.
Facebook makes money from advertisements.
The more eyeballs are on the Facebook website, the more money Facebook makes.
Were Facebook to start charging for membership, most people would not pay, due to the availability of free substitutes like MySpace and Twitter.
With most of its member base gone, Facebook would not earn any advertising revenue.
There would be no value to a paid Facebook membership with most of the people leaving for a substitute service.
Therefore, there is no logical reason why Facebook would shoot itself in the foot, and destroy its enormous member base which contributes to its incredible net worth.
The next time you jump on one of these "The Sky Is Falling" bandwagon groups demanding that Facebook not charge people, take a minute to think. Why in the world would they do something that stupid?
Tags: advertising, facebook, fees, whining
Posted by Jon on Jul 27, 2008 in
Social Not-Working One of my all-time favorite business books (on a topic that often leaves people divided) is Inside Network Marketing by Leonard Clements. There is a section where he posts real recruiting ads that are too hilarious to be true, along with some witty responses. Ads such as "Don't Call This Number" (there was no number listed), "Ground Floor Opportunity" (for a 125-year-old company), and "Pays 100% on Level Six" (no explanation necessary). While I may not be as witty as Mr. Clements, I'd like to offer up some responses to the slew of internet dating ads that have been cropping up on Facebook more than I'd prefer them to.
"Over 25 and Single?"
This company obviously has no time to waste, and is cutting down on work by reusing their targeting preferences as the title of their ad!
"Meet Single Christians!"
No thanks. I'm Jewish. You were able to figure out my age from my profile, why not my religious affiliation too?
"Meet Single Men!"
WTF. Can't they at least datamine my profile correctly?
"Stop. Stare. Flirt."
I thought it was rude to stare? I must be living under a rock!
"Looking for a Girlfriend?"
This approach feels kind of like being propositioned to buy drugs at a rock concert. ("Pssst! Hey you! Looking for a girlfriend?")
"She's Feeling Lonely!"
If finding a date on the internet is the only way to stop you from feeling lonely, then perhaps it's time to turn the computer off!
"Get Lucky!"
Get herpes, too! No extra charge.
"Peek at Private Pics!"
Guess they aren't so private, eh?
"Think You're a Player?"
No. I don't. Besides, what kind of woman wants to date a player, anyway?
"26 and Still Single?"
Is that a bad thing? (Has anyone who has seen this ad seen it say "18 and Still Single?" I am rather curious.)
"Date Single Women!"
As opposed to dating married women? Hmm…
"I Think She Likes You!"
Great, I've got a stalker!
"Meet Single BBW Girls!"
No comment.
"Is Dating A Nightmare?"
Truth in advertising, perhaps?
"Meet Interesting People!"
What an amazing concept!
"Meet Gorgeously Beautiful Women!"
Let's be realistic.
"Don't have a girlfriend?"
This is internet marketing at its best!
"Socialize!"
Good advice, but what does a picture of a girl with giant cleavage have to do with it?
"I Hate Online Dating!"
Me too, and that's why I don't do it anymore!
Tags: advertising, dating, facebook, fail, humor